Alright, Homes are going for about $243,700 on average. It's a a smaller city city with about 53,951 people. Median household income is $58,441, which feels about average for the area. The unemployment rate is 2.9%, which is pretty low. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. What neighborhoods would you suggest? Appreciate any input. The suburbs are where most families end up. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The weather takes some getting used to. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
4 upvotes
15 Replies
Weston Diaz
Weather-wise, the summers are better than expected and winters are developing. You get used to it after the first year.
38 upvotes
Logan Wood
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it exceeded my expectations. Happy to answer more specific questions..
37 upvotes
Ryan Perez
exactly what I was thinking
35 upvotes
Paisley James
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem underrated.
I've been here 10 years and I genuinely enjoy living here. The thing nobody mentions is nightlife. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the safety is legit. And if you're into fishing, this place is decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Cedar Grove side vs the Fairview side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
33 upvotes
Benjamin Cooper
I'm a real estate agent and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. The community is tough and there's always something going on.
33 upvotes
Levi Martin
I've lived in North for about 15 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's improved dramatically in recent years. When I first moved here from Chicago, I was surprised by weather. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Active local events and festivals
- The public transit scene is decent
The downsides:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Property taxes are high
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for couples. No regrets on my end..
29 upvotes
Maverick Lewis
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 1 years ago from Miami and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Lakewood. It's hit or miss for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in real estate. If you're in consulting you might struggle.
People: Generally decent. It took about 8 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: solid. Tons of options if you like Thai.
No regrets on my end..
22 upvotes
Elena Smith
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is healthcare. it's been a really good experience overall. Worth doing your research before committing.
20 upvotes
Jordan Cook
this is the way
18 upvotes
Noah Foster
I've lived in East for about 12 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it exceeded my expectations. When I first moved here from New York, I was surprised by community vibe. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good internet infrastructure
- The job market scene is pretty good
The downsides:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for retirees. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
16 upvotes
Natalie Walker
I've been living here for 14 years and I'd say it's improved dramatically in recent years. The dating scene is excellent compared to other places I've lived. Overall It's not for everyone but it works for us..
11 upvotes
Jerry G.
Moved here from Dallas about 11 years ago. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Still getting used to traffic but Feel free to reach out with questions..
6 upvotes
Olivia Garcia
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 30, moved here 10 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in Oak Park and Pine Hills, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Summers can be brutally hot
3. The weather situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for singles. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Pine Hills: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Chicago, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
4 upvotes
Aubrey R.
Bought a house here in 2023 and I have mixed feelings honestly. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
All Countries
